Caribbean Red Beans and Rice

Ellen Kanner is the author of Feeding the Hungry Ghost: Life, Faith, and What to Eat for Dinner – A Satisfying Diet for Unsatisfying Times (New World Library 2013) and you may recognize her byline from the Huffington Post and Miami Herald. She has generously adapted her Caribbean Pigeon Peas and Rice for our luscious Domingo Rojo beans.

Ellen notes, “The recipe can be made entirely in advance and reheated when you’re ready. Keeps covered and refrigerated for several days, and flavor improves over time.”

¼ habañero (Scotch bonnet pepper) or 1 to 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped, depending on how hot you like it*

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 tomato, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained)

1 teaspoon allspice

½ teaspoon cumin

1 small handful fresh thyme leaves, or ¼ teaspoon dried

1 small bunch cilantro, coarsely chopped

Sea salt and pepper to taste

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the pepper, habañero, and celery, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes. Stir in the diced tomato and season with the allspice and cumin.

Add the cooked Domingo Rojo beans and rice, stirring until the mixture is well combined. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the moisture from the vegetables is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Add the thyme, cilantro, sea salt, and pepper.